Being fully vaccinated and having a clean bill of health makes it a lot easier to get around these days with all the specific requirements for events and travel. The only problem is keeping your physical paperwork with you at all times and making sure it doesn't get lost in all the moving around.
Here's how you can securely store your vaccination card and health status in an app so you don't have to worry about losing valuable paperwork.
1. CLEAR
CLEAR started as a biometric service for airports that allowed people to skip the long lines for security checks. Instead, customers could submit all their information ahead of time and have their eyes scanned to enter any airport security checkpoint.
Now, CLEAR is providing a way for people to store their personal information in the app, including your vaccination passport card.
This feature is called the CLEAR Health Pass, and it lives inside the CLEAR app and helps you store your photo ID, CDC-issued vaccination card, and a selfie. The app also asks you some questions about when you received the vaccination and at what facility you received it in.
Some of the other apps on this list won't require you to upload a photo ID and are not generally considered as secure as the CLEAR app.
Download: CLEAR for iOS | Android (Free)
2. CommonPass
CommonPass was created by the World Economic Forum and The Commons Project to help air travelers keep better track of their vaccination card.
Unlike some of the other apps on this list, you can upload your actual test results in addition to your vaccination card. This helps travelers who are required to show more information about their current health status when entering specific countries.
This is a great tool to have on your phone because it is currently being accepted by JetBlue, Swiss International Airlines, United, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic.
Download: CommonPass for iOS | Android (Free)
3. VeriFLY
The VeriFLY app was created for people traveling on airlines and allows people to upload their test results as well as their vaccination smart cards. You can create QR codes for your vaccination card to make it easier to show others.
You can also organize your different trips ahead of time and upload information for those trips that will lead to a smoother and more efficient traveling experience.
This app works best for individuals who travel frequently and need an organized way of having all the requirements for each flight planned out ahead of time.
Download: VeriFLY for iOS | Android (Free)
4. VaxYes
Created by the makers of GoGetVax comes VaxYes, which is really nothing more than a digitized version of your vaccination card.
Unlike some of the apps developed for travel, this app does not track any of your test results and will not inform you about the requirements needed for specific countries.
What this app does best is keep your card secure in your phone so you don't have to bring the physical copy to any event or location. This is a more secure way of showing your card than simply having it as a photo on your phone.
While this service isn't an app, you can download it to the digital wallet on your iPhone and Android device.
Download: VaxYes (Free)
5. VaccTrack
VaccTrack is a one-stop shop for your vaccination and test needs. It isn't as widely accepted and adopted as some of the other apps on this list, but it still functions in the same way.
With VaccTrack, you can store your vaccination status digitally, and you can even have your medical provider confirm the information in the app. All the information is stored on a secured cloud network so you don't have to worry about this info falling into the wrong hands.
The app is so detailed you can even store any side effects you might be feeling from the vaccine.
You'll be able to store your test results as well, so this app can be useful in just about any scenario in which you need to prove your health and vaccine status.
Download: VaccTrack for iOS| Android (Free)
6. IATA Travel Pass
The International Air Travel Association (IATA) created the Travel Pass as a way to obtain secure confirmation of vaccine and health status for air travelers.
The app allows you to store your vaccine card digitally as well as any COVID test results you've taken. Using this Travel Pass will allow you to go to different countries more freely without having to fill out a ton of paperwork.
Currently, airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and Qantas are using the app.
Download: IATA Travel Pass for iOS| Android (Free)
7. Excelsior
Specifically made for the state of New York, the Excelsior app was created to ensure all citizens of New York are properly vaccinated before entering businesses and organizations.
The app cross-checks the information from state vaccine records to approve vaccination status on the app for individuals. The app allows vaccination status and test results to be stored on a private network.
There is another app that is accepted in New York called the NYC COVID Safe app, but this is for people from outside state lines to prove their vaccination status. It does not have the ability to cross-check other states' records to prove vaccination status.
Download: Excelsior for iOS | Android (Free)
8. United Travel Ready Center
United Airlines expanded its pre-existing app, called the Travel Ready Center, to adopt COVID requirements for air travelers. The app now lets you upload your vaccination card to store it digitally and any test results.
The app allows you to check over 200 testing providers to book appointments for a test result or to confirm that the test will meet the requirements of your air travel.
Once your tests are validated, you'll receive your mobile boarding pass. So far, only United has developed a specific app for its own airlines that includes this kind of technology.
Download: United Travel Ready Center for iOS | Android (Free)
COVID Vaccine Passport Apps
In order to travel freely on airlines, attend special events, or be allowed into some venues, you'll have to show proof of vaccination and your current health status. The apps above make it easy for you to securely track all your information in one place so you don't have to bring your physical vaccine card or test results with you everywhere you go. You don't have to download an app to track COVID though, you can do all of that from your phone already.